FPF Files Ethics Complaint Against FCC’s Carr
The Freedom of the Press Foundation files an ethics complaint against Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr alleging “egregious misconduct.” The complaint was filed with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Office of Disciplinary Counsel and points to Carr’s public statements
and actions prior to the Paramount-Skydance merger. Paramount’s CBS agreed to a settlement with President Donald Trump over a Kamala Harris interview on “60 Minutes.” The complaint says, “Everyone from U.S. senators to CBS employees to a dissenting FCC commissioner has said the settlement appears to have been a bribe to grease the wheels for Carr’s FCC to approve the merger. Even putting Paramount aside, Carr has pursued numerous other frivolous and unconstitutional legal proceedings and threatened more of them in furtherance in his efforts to intimidate broadcast licensees to censor themselves and fall in line with Trump’s agenda.” It goes on to say, “Carr’s actions brazenly violate legal and ethical standards that govern the practice of law and public officials, undermining the First Amendment, the FCC’s credibility, and the laws he is trusted to administer. His abuse of his office to force an unwarranted settlement of a private lawsuit is shameful and warrants disbarment.”
Musers” – starring George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith – is joining the Cumulus Podcast Network. Calling it a natural extension of the daily radio program, Cumulus says “The Musers: The Podcast” will deliver exclusive podcast-only segments that fans won’t hear anywhere else. A new episode drops each Wednesday.
of Atlanta. And raised an event record of more than $2.1 million. WSB director of operations Ken Charles says, “95.5 WSB has the most generous listeners in the country, without them this is not possible. I am blessed to work with the most passionate, dedicated and hardworking team in the business. I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved over these incredible and inspirational 38 hours.”
media users, and linear TV viewers. Ad-supported audio listeners are more likely to be Amazon Prime members, spend more, and were more aware of Amazon Prime Day 2025; 2) Ad-supported audio (AM/FM radio, music streaming, and podcasts) are ideal media platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners spend more online than TV viewers; 3) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: A 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM radio generates a +50% increase in campaign reach. Nielsen Media Impact campaign optimizations reveal shifting media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger 18-49 demographics. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job in increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers who will not see retailer TV ads; and 4) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase, and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. 
and more in alleging that he had a deal with Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” Warshaw also says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024 and alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. As for the change of venue, both parties agree the case involves both complex legal issues and a claim for monetary damages. The defendants says it’s likely to require resolution of “complicated legal and factual issues.” (Del Nin has already moved to dismiss on jurisdiction grounds, which involves questions of constitutional law.) Plus, SFM anticipates the case will benefit from careful discovery oversight as it will need discovery from Warshaw as well as potentially from third parties, including from Connoisseur and the other investment firms Warshaw references in the Complaint.
for free markets, Gomez called out the FCC’s role and Paramount for “cowardly capitulation.” Trusty said, “This transaction reflects the free market at work, where private investment, not government intervention, is preserving an iconic American media institution. During its review of the transaction, the Commission determined the merger was lawful and would serve the public interest. This deal brings fresh 
leadership, new capital, and a clear plan to compete with dominant tech platforms.” Gomez stated, “In an unprecedented move, this once-independent FCC used its vast power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement and further erode press freedom. Once again, this agency is undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity by overstepping its authority and intervening in employment matters reserved for other government entities with proper jurisdiction on these issues. Even more alarming, it is now imposing never-before-seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment, in direct violation of the First Amendment and the law… The Paramount payout and this reckless approval have emboldened those who believe the government can – and should – abuse its power to extract financial and ideological concessions, demand favored treatment, and secure positive media coverage. It is a dark chapter in a long and growing record of abuse that threatens press freedom in this country.”
streams) make up 34% of the daily audio time of U.S. consumers ages 13+. Looking at what makes up the other 66% of daily audio time it’s interesting to note that media platforms that didn’t exist (or were very new) 20 years ago make up a combined 54% of daily audio time. Those media platforms are streaming music (23%), YouTube (14%), podcasts (10%), and SiriusXM (7%). 
station ownership. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement expressing his pleasure with that move but said he’s disappointed the Court didn’t do the same for radio. LeGeyt says, “At the same time, we are disappointed that the court stopped short of addressing the decades-old radio ownership restrictions that defy economic reality and weaken broadcasters’ ability to compete, invest in local journalism and serve their communities. Fortunately, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has long been a champion for empowering local stations, and we look forward to working with this FCC to modernize its local radio ownership rules and ensure local broadcasters can thrive in the communities they serve across the nation.”
Angeles’ “Mason & Ireland” show to continue in that role. ESPN EVP, executive editor, sports news and entertainment David Roberts says, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John. They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like ‘Mason & Ireland’ in the market or in sports radio.”
iHeartMedia Norfolk announced today (7/25) the debut of BIN 92.1 FM, Norfolk’s Black Information Network, effective immediately. The Black Information Network has transitioned from 105.3 FM (WNOH) to its new home at 92.1 FM (WHBT), where it will continue delivering what is described as “nonstop, reliable news coverage shaped by the Black community.” According to iHeartMedia Norfolk market president, Denene Moore, “Listeners can count on the same high-quality journalism, in-depth reporting, and culturally relevant storytelling—now on 92.1 FM and available on the iHeartRadio app.” Moore continues, “BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we’re proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk. This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices.”
local communities and civic issues.” According to a press statement, Bolling will assist in guiding Re:Public’s strategic communications, serve as voice of the platform in national and regional media, and assist with outreach as Re:Public expands throughout the United States. Bolling says, “Re:Public is an innovative new platform that returns the voice of ordinary Americans to the center of our public life. Local news has been dominated by goliath corporations for too long. Re:Public empowers people with the ability to report what is important in their own neighborhoods — unfiltered, uncensored, and held accountable.”
People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms. 
newsprint tabloid, TALKERS proclaimed that “talk radio” was, indeed, an “industry within an industry” and worthy of its own, unique full-service trade publication. Founded by pioneering radio broadcaster (KMET, WNEW-FM, WLIR-FM, WCBS-FM, WPIX, KPRI, CBS, Westwood One, RKO) Michael Harrison, who also brought his experience with publications including Radio & Records, Goodphone Weekly, and Billboard to the table, the independent journal went on to produce annual conferences, numerous radio shows, and contribute to the ongoing success and influence of a variety of spoken word formats and talk media offshoots.
live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The show will be simulcast live on Disney+ every day and on ESPN+ during select weeks in the year. In addition to his weekday show, Eisen brings his full podcast lineup from The Rich Eisen Podcast Network to ESPN platforms. Eisen says, “Once we struck a deal with Disney for the video version of The Rich Eisen Show, it made complete sense to migrate the audio version to ESPN Radio, where I got started in the terrestrial radio world almost 30 years ago. It’s just another way to return to my roots with my old and now new friends at ESPN and GKB. I couldn’t be more excited about our future together on multiple platforms.”
by President Trump’s claims of liberal bias at NPR, voted to strip public broadcasting of all federal funding. But Chapin says the choice was hers and not driven by the action in Congress. Chapin says, “I have had two big executive jobs for two years, and I want to take a break. I want to make sure my performance is always top-notch for the company. NPR CEO Katherine Maher says, “Edith has been an indispensable partner during my first year at NPR, a steady leader for a large part of this organization, and a fantastic collaborator as a member of the executive team.”
Conventional industry wisdom: “If our morning star leaves, we’re dead. How could we replace them?”
retirement of Jeff Austin. The station the serves as flagship for University of Oregon Ducks football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Along with these changes, the station unveils a tweaked program schedule that includes the debut of “The Firm of Harris and Marang,” airing daily from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm and hosted by Danny Marang and Patrick Harris; “Dirt and Sprague” extending their show an hour from 6:00 am to 10:00 am; and “The Happy Hour with Luke Andersen” airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley says, “We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘The FAN’ to the FM dial. This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new brand manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”